Research corner
`How State Taxes and Policies Targeting Soda Consumption Modify the Association between School Vending Machines and Student Dietary Behaviors: a cross-sectional analysis’ by Taber, D R, Chriqui, J F, Vuillaume, R et al PLoS One, August 2014 If kids are drinking too many fizzy drinks, the solution seems simple: remove fizzy drinks from schools. Taking such drinks away from the place that children spend a big chunk of their waking hours may seem like a slam-dunk policy but such a move could have unintended consequences, research from the US warns. Looking at data from the National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study, academics were able to build a picture of student diet and access to school vending machines. They also examined state-level data on how readily fast foods and fizzy drinks were available, and whether such items were taxed. Contrary to what you might expect, the research found that students consumed fewer servings of fizzy drinks per week if they had access to a vending machine in school. However, the researchers note that data was largely from states that did not have a wider tax or limit on soda consumption outside school. The conclusion? Possibly an obvious one to anybody working in education: schools can help but they don’t hold all the answers. In the absence of initiatives outside the school environment designed to deter people from drinking fizzy drinks, the research suggests, policymakers shouldn’t be surprised if a solely school-based initiative fails to solve the problem. Sarah Cunnane Share your views by tweeting @tes Look and Learn Fun 123 (Bloomsbury Activity Books) ISBN 9781408855157 This engaging sticker book teaches young children to count to 10 using fun colouring and tracing activities, number stickers and other hands-on tasks. How to Teach: Literacy by Phil Beadle (Crown House Publishing) ISBN 9781781351284 In this book, Phil Beadle provides teachers with all the tools they need to raise literacy standards in the classroom, with lesson ideas and activities that are accessible to the highest- and lowest-attaining students. The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler by Gene Kemp (Faber amp; Faber) ISBN 9780571313914 Follow Tyke Tiler and the mischievous Danny Price during their final term at Cricklepit Combined School. With stolen money, a sheep’s skeleton and fights in class, can Tyke manage to keep his best friend out of trouble? For book queries, please email chloe.darracott-cankovic@tesglobal.comHot off the press
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